Advice for MSN

[AllSmiles225]

Hi to all!

I have a few questions as I am actively seeking a MSN program in nursing. My ultimate goal for my career is to become a nurse educator; I would like to be able to teach at the college level at some point whether it is in a clinical setting or classroom setting. I do understand that I probably will have to get my PhD or DNP at some point in order to do this. I have been going back and forth with myself about something though. Initially I was looking for a MSN with a focus in nursing education but it has also become apparent to me that if I went for my NP I would be able to teach but not the other way around. I truly have NO desire; 0% to become a NP. I never really see myself working as an NP but I don't know if I'm closing a door by not pursuing it. It definitely wouldn't be my passion like I feel teaching is. Which leads me to my next dilemma. I've been having a really hard time finding programs that I truly feel are good online MSN programs. I also am struggling because in New York with these online programs your not allowed to do your practicum in New York; I'd have to go to another state for the practicum which makes me very leery especially working full time. If anyone could get me some guidance to the following questions I would truly appreciate it:

1) Would you go for NP or Nurse Educator given what I said above?

2) Can you recommend any online MSN programs that you feel are well rounded programs & would not have difficulty transferring credits later for possible PhD?

3) How do you feel about out state clinical placement?

Your responses are so appreciated...I really just want to get back in school and am so confused about the direction to go..

Thanks in advance!

[sara&]

Hello, online education is pretty popular today, my friend got a degree in nursing through an online school. And I think he has acquired some good knowledge there since he is now working as a professional in a hospital. I am thinking about a similar pathway, am researching the subject, lots of schools and Universities offer this type of education, here I found a good overview

Online Nursing Schools...";;; Try it it might help. I also applied so I am waiting for the results

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Nurse educator here (MSN - Critical Care CNS/Nursing Education - EdD). Education is a completely different discipline from nursing, with it's own body of knowledge and skill sets. This is not part of NP curricula. For instance, we have to be versant on education law, ed psych, psychometrics, instructional design, business skills, leadership . . . etc. Many of us also design and develop online learning - but that is a whole 'nother thing. In my organization, an MSN is entry level for full time educator positions - but NP will not suffice without additional formal education.

I LOVE clinical (non-academic) nursing education. We are in the forefront of everything because every innovation or organizational change will entail some sort of staff education. It's a continuous process. IMO 'our side' of education is a more difficult pathway than academia (been there, done that) because clinical educators not only have to have formal credentials, they also have to have clinical expertise & all full-time educator positions require prior experience in education. The best route is to begin by becoming a preceptor, certified instructor (BLS, ACLS, etc) and volunteering to provide inservices in your own department. BTW, our salaries normally outpace those of our academic colleagues with similar credentials.

WARNING - if you are serious about a career in academic education, do not 'teach' at a commercial (investor owned) school. This will automatically characterize you as a lesser being who is not at all serious about scholarship in general... Just having this information on your job history will ensure that you are not even considered for a faculty position. Online faculty at the commercial schools are only there to deliver canned information... within the very tight confines of that program. They do not engage in the full range of academic professional activity. Basically, they are academic sharecroppers.

When you are looking at graduate schools, go with a well-regarded traditional program that includes an internship. Most traditional programs also have a variety of online/distance options, but your diploma will be the same as the bricks-and-mortar students. If you are planning on a Phd eventually... be sure to choose a program that has a scholarly environment. One in which you can interact with colleagues going through the same process - cheer them on at their dissertation defense - and connect with research mentors. The role of a Phd (in any discipline) is to produce original work that adds to the profession's body of knowledge. The program makes all the difference.

We need educators, I hope you choose this route.

[sraeh88]

That was the predicament I was in as well. I chose Excelsior Colleges MSN with a specialization in nursing education program. It is affordable and I am just about finished with it and it was a great investment and I absolutely loved the program. Plus, it is all online with no quizzes or tests.